Crunchy Chicken Casserole – Looking for a comforting and delicious meal that the whole family will adore? Look no further than our irresistible Crunchy Chicken Casserole! This heartwarming dish combines tender rotisserie chicken, cooked rotini noodles, and a delightful medley of veggies, all wrapped in a creamy and cheesy embrace. Topped with the perfect crunch of French’s French Fried Onions, this casserole is sure to win the hearts of your loved ones. Join me as I share the heartwarming story of how this recipe has become a cherished staple in our little family’s culinary journey.
Every family has that one dish that brings everyone together—the dish that’s requested at every special occasion and that never fails to put a smile on our faces. For us, that magical recipe is none other than the Crunchy Chicken Casserole. It all started a few years ago when my husband stumbled upon this gem of a recipe. He decided to surprise me on our anniversary by preparing this casserole, and from that moment on, it has been a constant presence in our home.
Week after week, our little family gathers around the table, eagerly waiting for the delightful aroma of the casserole to waft through the air. As we take that first bite, the blend of creamy chicken soup, perfectly cooked rotini noodles, and the richness of shredded cheddar cheese transports us to a world of pure comfort and joy. Our son, who was once a picky eater, now asks for seconds and thirds, proving that this casserole has the power to turn even the most discerning eaters into avid fans.
Why This Crunchy Chicken Casserole Is a Must-Try?
- Creamy Dreamy Goodness: The luscious combination of cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk makes this casserole irresistibly creamy. It’s comfort food at its finest!
- Crunchy Twist: The crowning glory of this dish lies in its topping of French’s French Fried Onions. They add a delightful crunch that elevates the entire experience.
- Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to get creative with your favorite veggies. Peas and corn bring a pop of color and a burst of sweetness, but you can mix in other veggies as well.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with this casserole. It’s perfect for picky eaters and those who appreciate a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Quick and Easy: With cooked rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked noodles, you’ll have this casserole ready for the oven in no time. It’s a great option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 680 grams (1.5 lb.) cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 340 grams (12 oz.) rotini noodles, cooked
- 2 cans (10 oz. each) cream of chicken soup
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) chicken broth
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) milk
- 170 grams (6 oz.) French’s French Fried Onions, divided
- 115 grams (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 150 grams (1 cup) frozen peas
- 165 grams (1 cup) canned corn
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- Fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked rotini noodles, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of French’s French Fried Onions, milk, and garlic powder. Mix everything together until well combined.
Grease a 9×13″ baking pan and pour the mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Cover the pan with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil, add the rest of the French’s French Fried Onions on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions turn golden and crispy.
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness and color.
Serve hot and savor the delightful flavors of this Crunchy Chicken Casserole!
Notes:
- Feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite vegetables or use different types of cheese for added variety.
- To make it even quicker, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave.
In conclusion, the Crunchy Chicken Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a heartwarming journey that brings families together around the dinner table. With its creamy goodness, comforting textures, and the satisfying crunch of French’s French Fried Onions, this casserole has earned its place as a beloved staple in our household, just as it will in yours.
Whether you’re looking to delight your loved ones on a cozy weeknight or seeking the perfect dish for a special gathering, this casserole promises to deliver the warmth and joy that only homemade comfort food can provide.
So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and let this delightful casserole fill your home with the aroma of love and togetherness. Watch as smiles spread across the faces of your family, just as they do in ours, and create cherished memories that will linger for years to come.
Cooking is more than just a skill; it’s an art that allows us to express our love and care for those we hold dear. The Crunchy Chicken Casserole embodies this sentiment, and we hope that it becomes a cherished part of your family’s culinary tradition, just as it has in ours.
From our home to yours, enjoy every delicious bite and savor the moments shared with your loved ones over this delightful Crunchy Chicken Casserole. Happy cooking and happy memories! Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use your preferred pasta if you don’t have rotini noodles on hand. Penne or elbow macaroni work well too!
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of chicken, try using cooked turkey or even leftover roasted beef. Both options taste fantastic.
What can I use as a replacement for French’s French Fried Onions?
If you can’t find French’s French Fried Onions, crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs will do the trick. They’ll still add that sought-after crunch to the casserole.
Can I freeze this casserole?
While it’s possible to freeze the casserole before baking, keep in mind that the texture of the French Fried Onions might be affected. If you choose to freeze it, add the onions as a topping just before baking to maintain their crunchiness.
Crunchy Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 680 grams 1.5 lb. cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 340 grams 12 oz. rotini noodles, cooked
- 2 cans 10 oz. each cream of chicken soup
- 120 ml 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 120 ml 1/2 cup milk
- 170 grams 6 oz. French's French Fried Onions, divided
- 115 grams 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 150 grams 1 cup frozen peas
- 165 grams 1 cup canned corn
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked rotini noodles, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of French's French Fried Onions, milk, and garlic powder. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Grease a 9x13" baking pan and pour the mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, add the rest of the French's French Fried Onions on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions turn golden and crispy.
- Once it's done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness and color.
- Serve hot and savor the delightful flavors of this Crunchy Chicken Casserole!
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